In a dominant display to kick off the 2024 season, William & Mary left no doubt about their intentions for the year ahead, routing VMI 41-7 in their season opener on Thursday night at Zable Stadium.
Game Summary
William & Mary wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 21-0 lead halfway through the second quarter. The Tribe's offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing 446 total yards while their defense held VMI to a single touchdown and 241 total yards.
The Tribe led in almost every category, picking up 21 first downs compared to VMI's 14 and averaged 12.1 yards per pass, while VMI managed only 3.8. On the ground William & Mary rushed for 205 yards on 36 carries, while VMI rushed for 145 yards on 35 carries.
Key Performances
William & Mary
- Quarterback Darius Wilson showcased efficiency, completing 11-of-15 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed 32 yards on the ground.
- Running backs Bronson Yoder and Malachi Imoh each scored 1-yard touchdowns in the first quarter. Yoder finished with 54 yards on 10 carries, while Imoh added 37 yards on eight attempts.
- Hollis Mathis made his presence felt with two touchdowns-a 4-yard run late in the second quarter and a 26-yard reception early in the third.
- Linebacker Clayton Dobler returned a blocked punt by John Kearney 18 yards for a score.
- Defensively, linebacker Alex Washington led with eight tackles, while safety Marcus Barnes and Jaden Ratliff each had an interception.
VMI
- Running back Hunter Rice was the standout for the Keydets, accumulating 126 total yards (81 rushing, 29 receiving, and 16 passing) and scoring VMI's lone touchdown on a 12-yard run late in the second quarter.
- Quarterback Collin Shannon struggled, completing 8-of-19 passes for 62 yards with an interception.
- Defensively, Tahj Summey led with nine tackles and two pass breakups, while Shamus Jones, who forced a fumble, and Stephen Dean III recorded eight tackles each. Noel Innocent and Kouri Crump contributed seven tackles apiece.
William & Mary's victory marked their 26th straight win over VMI, which ranks fourth-most consecutive wins in a FCS series. They have now won 42 of their last 44 games against non-conference FCS opponents in the regular season.
Running back Bronson Yoder moved into a tie for seventh on The Tribe's career rushing touchdowns list with 26, while quarterback Darius Wilson moved into eighth place on the school's career total offense list with 6,563 yards.
Looking Ahead
William & Mary (1-0) will travel to face FBS opponent Coastal Carolina (1-0) on September 7th.
VMI (0-1) returns home to host Bucknell on September 7th at 1:30 p.m. EST.
